October 11, 2018 COMMENTS on…

October 11, 2018

COMMENTS on Bill 4, the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, 2018

EBR Registry Number: 013-3738

Introduction to Environment North
Since 1972, Environment North has functioned as a regional coalition promoting sustainable communities and conservation of our resources. Environment North is a registered charitable organisation.
Environment North has played a significant role in many regional environment issues and policy change over the decades.
Since 2006 most of our efforts have been devoted to improving public awareness of human caused climate change and promoting clean, low-carbon energy.
Activities include:
Public conferences
Public and school film presentations
Seminars
Green loan program with a local credit union,
Newspaper articles
Participation in government consultations

Climate policies of the Ontario Government

“Bill 4 repeals the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016 and provides for various matters related to the wind down of the Cap and Trade Program. It also establishes a requirement for the Minister to prepare a climate change plan and to prepare progress reports in respect of the plan.” (Source: https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/bill/document/pdf/20…, underlines are our added emphasis)

We are shocked by the intent and wording of Bill 4: An Act respecting the preparation of a climate change plan, providing for the wind down of the cap and trade program and repealing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016, presented by the Hon. R. Phillips Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on July 25, 2018.

“Various matters” and “a climate change plan”
In the six pages of content the bill contains definitions, discussion about what is being cancelled and details about compensation. However, ”a climate change plan” is only mentioned and rates only 26 words:

“The Minister, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, shall prepare a climate change plan and may revise the plan from time to time”. (Source: https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/bill/document/pdf/20…)

This ignores or downplays observed and projected damage because of climate change in Ontario. Such a bill within another ministry can be compared to shutting down a high school or hospital with a few months notice with the promise to find a plan in the indefinite future.

This dismissal or downplay of climate change is very similar to Mr. Trump’s actions to “make America great again” by relaxing greenhouse gas emission standards. Trump policies mock the Paris Accord attempting to limit warming to 1.5 °C or 2.0° C compared to pre-industrial levels.

Ontario and the world is increasingly feeling the detrimental impacts of climate change. The latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report has stated unequivocally the urgency of action. The Ontario Government should withdraw this bill and ensure the province is undertaking all measures to meet the targets necessary for limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Graham Saunders,
President, Environment North